Jenifer Walke

Jenifer Walke, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University (EWU), part of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. She earned her B.S. from James Madison University and her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, followed by postdoctoral research in Entomology and Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on microbial and disease ecology, particularly the roles of beneficial and harmful microorganisms in amphibians. Dr. Walke teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in biology, microbiology, ecology, and environmental science. She is a member of professional societies such as the American Society for Microbiology and the Ecological Society of America.

Her research emphasizes amphibian skin microbiomes and their interactions with pathogens like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), aiming to understand mechanisms of disease resistance and biodiversity conservation. She collaborates on projects involving endangered species, such as the Rock Gnome Lichen and Columbia spotted frogs. Her work often integrates field studies, lab experiments, and genomic analyses to address ecological and conservation challenges.

Dr. Walke actively engages in K-12 outreach, including frog education programs for elementary students. Her lab, the Walke Lab (www.walkelab.com), supports undergraduate and graduate students in research, with projects ranging from newt microbiome studies to honeybee gut health. Recent lab highlights include NSF-REU student presentations and community engagement with groups like the Whidbey Island Beekeepers Association. Her advising includes students like Autumn Holley (PhD candidate), Jenn Perez (MS graduate), and Jonah Frago (undergraduate researcher).

While no explicit awards are listed, her contributions to amphibian microbiome research are recognized through peer-reviewed publications. Grants and funding details are not detailed in the provided texts, but her work aligns with broader efforts in disease ecology and conservation biology.